Chicago Bears great Jimbo Covert’s long journey to the Hall of Fame leaves him overwhelmed with gratitude: ‘Biggest and best part — going through this with family and friends’

Bears coach Mike Ditka walks the sideline in front of offensive linemen Jimbo Covert (74) and Tom Thayer (57) and quarterback Jim McMahon during the first half of a game against the Buccaneers on Oct. 25, 1987, at Soldier Field. (Charles Cherney / Chicago Tribune)